Speech in the Virginia Convention Patrick Henry
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Writers of the Revolution from Speech in the Virginia Convention RI 5 Analyze and evaluate by Patrick Henry the effectiveness of the structure an author uses in his or her argument, including whether the structure makes Meet the Author points clear, convincing, and engaging. RI 6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose 1736–1799 in a text in which the rhetoric is Patrick Henry particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute Known as “the Orator of Liberty,” his own at age 15. Although smart and to the power, persuasiveness, or Patrick Henry made a name for himself industrious, he couldn’t find success as a beauty of the text. L 3a Apply an understanding of syntax with his speeches supporting American storekeeper or later as a tobacco planter. to the study of complex democracy. He was one of the earliest After marrying and starting a family, he texts. L 4b Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that opponents of British rule in the American decided to teach himself law, and in 1760, indicate different meanings or colonies. In 1765, after the British at the age of 24, he was admitted to the parts of speech. Parliament passed a tax bill called the bar. Henry’s eloquence, quick wit, and did you know? Stamp Act, Henry was among the rhetorical gifts served him well, and his members of the Virginia legislature that law practice grew increasingly profitable. Patrick Henry . challenged the legality of a British tax on Popular Virginia Politician Henry is best • had 16 children—6 by his the colonies. But he went farther than known for his fervent “Speech in the first wife, who died, and his colleagues by making a threat against Virginia Convention,” which narrowly then 10 by his second wife. the king. In his argument, so the story convinced the assembled leadership to • owned slaves. goes, he used a loaded analogy: “Caesar prepare for war with Britain. In addition, • advocated the right had his Brutus, Charles the First his he organized a Virginia militia that to bear arms later Cromwell, and George III . .”—at this became part of the new Continental Army guaranteed by the point, shouts of “Treason!” erupted in after independence was declared. He U.S. Constitution. the hall, but Henry continued—“may helped write the new state constitution • strongly supported profit by their example.” He ended his and the Virginia Declaration of Rights, states’ rights. speech with the defiant words, “If this be which was a major influence on the Bill treason, make the most of it.” Henry did of Rights added to the U.S. Constitution. indeed make the most of his “treason,” He also served several terms as governor of (background) Virginia House becomibecomingng a tireless and influential leleadera of Burgesses Virginia and as a state legislator. Although bbothoth bbeforeefore anandd aafterfter tthehe RevoRevolution.lution. President Washington offered him ProfitableProfitable LawLaw CareerCareer HenryHenry was positions as secretary of state and Supreme bbornorn in Virginia to a prosperous Court justice, Henry declined and llandowner.andowner. His father, who hhadad always remained suspicious of the federal aattendedttended the UniversitUniversityy of AbeAberdeenrd government. In 1799, after being elected in Scotland, gave him a classicaclassicall again to the state legislature, he died at his eeducationducation at home. His mothemother,r, 700-acre plantation, Red Hill, before he Sarah Winston SSyme,yme, was ffrom could take office. a wealthwealthyy familfamily.y. HeHenryn wenwentt ooutut oonn Author Online Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML11-228 228 NA_L11PE-u01s41-brVir.indd 228 12/22/10 4:46:25 PM text analysis: rhetorical devices Rhetorical devices are structures within language that appeal to readers or listeners and communicate ideas. When is it time • A rhetorical question is a question to which no answer is expected. (But when shall we be stronger?) to take • Antithesis expresses contrasting ideas in parallel grammatical structures. (Give me liberty, or give me death!) action? • Repetition is the recurrence of words, phrases, or lines. (Let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!) Whether it’s the winning shot in the final seconds of the game, the right • Parallelism is a kind of repetition in which words or phrases moment to ask someone out, or the in the same grammatical form connect ideas. (Is life so dear, decision to accept a job offer—timing is or peace so sweet . .) everything. In the spring of 1775, Patrick • Biblical allusions are references to events, figures, or phrases Henry had had enough of compromise from the Bible. In this selection, they have the rhetorical with the British; it was time for armed appeal of shared beliefs. resistance. His address to the Virginia As you read Henry’s speech, be on the lookout for rhetorical Convention turned out to be a decisive devices and how they might have affected his audience. moment not only in his own life but in the life of the United States as well. reading skill: reading a persuasive speech DISCUSS With a partner, think of In this famous speech, Patrick Henry speaks to members of examples from sports, politics, or the Virginia convention, but clearly he is aware of a wider everyday life when the time was right audience—even of future generations reading his words. As for decisive action. Then, for one you read the speech, think about Henry’s audience and how he example, analyze why it was the right uses language to appeal to his audience. What tone or attitude action at the right time. do you detect in his language, and how does his choice of words reveal his purpose as a speaker? vocabulary in context Example of Decisive Action: Use context clues to write a definition of each boldfaced word. 1. Martial Speech Sets Stage for War 2. Never Supinely Accept Tyranny, Henry Says 3. Invincible Patriot Army Will Repel Attacks Reasons That the Time Was 4. Insidious Spies Reveal Patriots’ Plans Right: 5. Nothing Can Extenuate Tory Traitors 6. Citizens Told to Be Vigilant 7. America Must Remain Inviolate Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. speech in the virginia convention 229 NA_L11PE-u01s41-brVir.indd 229 12/22/10 4:46:44 PM Speech in the Virginia Convention Patrick Henry background In the spring of 1775, delegates from the state of Virginia could not Analyze Visuals agree whether to press for a peaceful solution with Britain or to prepare for war. This painting shows Patrick Henry introduced resolutions calling for military preparedness. After politely Patrick Henry speaking listening to his colleagues’ objections to armed rebellion, he rose to deliver this to the Virginia House of impassioned appeal. Burgesses. What different attitudes are reflected in the faces and postures of his audience members? March 23, 1775 Mr. President:1 No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment2 to this country. For my own part I consider a RHETORICAL DEVICES it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the Reread lines 1–11. What magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this are some examples of 10 way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which antithesis, and what kind we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a a of emphasis does it create? 1. Mr. President: the president of the Virginia Convention, Peyton Randolph. 2. of awful moment: of very grave importance. Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses (1851), Peter F. Rothermel. Red Hill, The Patrick Henry 230 unit 1: early american writing National Memorial, Brookneal, Virginia. NA_L11PE-u01s41-VirCo.indd 230 12/22/10 4:47:43 PM NA_L11PE-u01s41-VirCo.indd 231 12/22/10 4:47:44 PM time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty towards the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. b b PERSUASIVE SPEECH Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are In lines 1–14, notice how apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, till Henry uses the language 3 of shared beliefs to she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and appeal to his audience. arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, What tone does he having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not,4 the things which so nearly concern establish? 20 their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth—to know the worst and to provide for it. insidious (Gn-sGdPC-Es) adj. treacherous I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House? Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet.